When my friend and Asian art curator colleague Christine told me she had accepted a job in San Diego, I was sad for a second because I knew that would mean I would see her less, but once that second passed, I was very, very happy for her. I knew she needed to make a professional move and try her hand working at another museum, one where she might be given a bit more responsibility and creative freedom. I also knew that this move would be a good one for her personally, as she would be leaving a relationship that had been stagnant and unhappy for a while and the new job would give her a chance at a fresh start in a new town.

It’s been a few years since she moved now, and we have managed to stay in touch fairly well, as I get a chance to visit San Diego fairly often for work and she sometimes comes back up to LA. Over these years, Christine has really blossomed in her position of Director of Exhibitions at the Mingei International Museum (http://www.mingei.org), one of the great gems of Balboa Park, the cultural heart of San Diego. Smart, charming and increasingly gorgeous with each year, she is clearly loved by the museum staff, volunteers and supporters, and a while back, she won the heart of a local artist and neighbor, Ryan, who I was thrilled to meet on my last visit. My joy at receiving an invitation to their wedding next month was recently compounded by the news that a baby is on the way soon too!

As I will not be able to join Christine this Sunday at her bridal shower, I sent off a teeny gift to her today – one of the pair of earrings I created a few weeks back (see April 2), which I can imagine will look lovely on her. I remember talking with Christine before she moved to San Diego, and her saying that although such a huge change would be difficult and scary, she just knew that it was the right thing to do. I am so proud of this dear friend for believing in herself and the world enough to take a big leap of faith and embrace a chance at a new life, and for landing with such characteristic grace.